System and method for providing retracting optics in a video conferencing environment

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session. The apparatus also includes a display and an optics element configured to interface with the camera. The optics element reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display. A retracting mechanism is also provided and is configured to retract the optics element in a direction such that the camera moves to an inactive state and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user. An effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element. In more detailed embodiments, the camera can be configured above the display such that its lens points downward toward the optics element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates in general to the field of video conferencingand, more particularly, to providing retracting optics in a videoconferencing environment.

BACKGROUND

Video services have become increasingly important in today's society. Incertain architectures, service providers may seek to offer sophisticatedvideo conferencing services for their end users. The video conferencingarchitecture can offer an “in-person” meeting experience over a network.Video conferencing architectures can deliver real-time, face-to-faceinteractions between people using advanced visual, audio, andcollaboration technologies. Some issues have arisen in videoconferencing scenarios where proper fields of view are not providedduring a video conference. Deficient effective viewpoints can distortthe video images being sent to participants in a video conference. Theability to optimize video images provides a significant challenge tosystem designers, device manufacturers, and participants of videoconferences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure andfeatures and advantages thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, whereinlike reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system for providingretracting optics in a video conferencing environment in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2D are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating variousexample viewpoints associated with a video conferencing environment;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating example opticalelements associated with the system for providing retracting optics in avideo conferencing environment;

FIGS. 4A-4B are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating one possibledesign for retracting an optical element associated with the system;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system for providingretracting optics in a video conferencing environment in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating potential operationsassociated with the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Overview

An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configuredto receive image data associated with an end user involved in a videosession. The apparatus also includes a display and an optics elementconfigured to interface with the camera. The optics element reflects theimage data associated with the end user positioned in front of thedisplay. A retracting mechanism is also provided and is configured toretract the optics element in a direction such that the camera moves toan inactive state and the optics element is removed from a view of thedisplay from the perspective of the end user. An effective opticaldistance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating aposition of the optics element.

In more detailed embodiments, the apparatus can include a housing unitthat includes the retracting mechanism, where the retracting mechanismincludes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the opticselement. The camera can be configured above the display such that itslens points downward toward the optics element. The optics element canbe a mirror configured to reflect the image data toward the camera. Inother embodiments, the optics element is a half mirror that includes atransparent surface and a reflective surface. In other embodiments, acontrolling element can be provided and configured to activate theretracting mechanism, where the controlling element is similarlyconfigured to communicate a signal that deploys the optics element.

Example Embodiments

Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system10 for providing retracting optics in a video conferencing environment.FIG. 1 includes a display 12 and an optics element 16, which isconfigured to interface with a camera 18 being maintained in a housingunit 14. In one particular implementation, display 12 may include anumber of audio speakers 22 a-b and a stand 30, which can support orotherwise stabilize display 12. In accordance with one exampleembodiment of system 10, a retractable mechanism allows optics element16 to drop down in front of display 12 when video conferencing isinitiated. Optics element 16 is a small mirror in one particularimplementation, where optics element 16 occupies a minimal space infront of display 12. Such an arrangement allows for an optimal field ofview for the user of camera 18.

By utilizing a retractable optics element 16, system 10 can offer anelegant solution for capturing an ideal field of view of a subject.Furthermore, such an arrangement can improve eye contact for the enduser of display 12. From an optics perspective, system 10 can increasethe optical distance from camera 18 to an individual's face, where sucha configuration can reduce perspective distortion that is commonlyencountered in video conferencing architectures.

Note that the configuration of optics element 16 has advantages over asimple placement of camera 18 in front of display 12 (even if such acamera were retractable). This is because optics element 16 (e.g., amirror) can be made smaller than camera 18, which would include a lensand a surrounding area (e.g., a housing) around the lens. In oneparticular example, optics element 16 (e.g., a mirror) can be designatedto have the same approximate size as the optical path, without needing acumbersome bezel. The effective viewpoint can be increased, as if camera18 were mounted behind display 12. Again, such an arrangement coulddecrease problematic perspective distortions, where an individual'sfacial features become exaggerated and over-pronounced, as theindividual moves closer to camera 18.

Turning to FIG. 2A-2B, these FIGURES are useful for identifying certainproblems encountered in video conferencing environments. Morespecifically, FIGS. 2A-2B are simplified schematic diagrams illustratingoptical issues associated with fields of view. FIG. 2A includes a videocamera 40, a display 44, and an eye contact plane 46 (i.e., beingrepresented as a dashed horizontal line), which meets with an area of anend user's face. Turning specifically to FIG. 2A, if video camera 40were to be bluntly inserted at a coplanar level with an individual'sline of sight (e.g., parallel to the user's eyes), this configurationwould block the user's view of display 44. Such a mounting of videocamera 40 would be ideal for accurately capturing the individual's face,but at the critical expense of blocking display 44 from the perspectiveof the individual. Simply mounting video camera 40 above display 44eliminates this blocking issue; however, this configuration can besimilarly problematic, as it points down toward the user's line of sightand, thereby, creates distortion.

As shown in FIG. 2A, there is an approximate field of view that capturesthe user's face. When the user is close to video camera 40 (e.g.,two-four feet), video camera 40 (mounted above display 44) can produce adistorted view of the user's face. Stated in different terms, the closervideo camera 40 is to the user's face, the more distorted the viewappears. Additionally, the approximate field of view is distant from eyecontact plane 46. Turning specifically to FIG. 2B, the end user hasmoved closer to camera 40 in this instance. The field of view of camera40 has moved closer to eye contact plane 46, but this scenario requiresa wide angle of view. Furthermore, this scenario may block a largeportion of display 44.

In most video conferencing systems, video camera 40 is mounted such thatit hangs in front of display 44, where this arrangement can obscureportions of the display area. For example, in the case of 65″ screens, asmall percentage of the display area is obscured. The benefit is thatvideo camera 40 can be close to the position of the displayed person'seyes, thereby giving a better apparent eye contact than if video camera40 were mounted farther above (e.g., on a bezel). When this scenario ismoved to other types of video conferencing systems (e.g., a desktopsystem, where the display is 24″), and the user sits about two-threefeet from display 44, several problems occur. First, video camera 40covers an objectionably larger percentage of display 44. Hence, thecamera installation (collectively: the custom brackets, the camera, thewires, etc.) obstruct the view of display 44. Furthermore, display 44 isnot useful as a general-purpose computer display. Additionally, thedistance between the subject (e.g., an end user) and video camera 40 isshortened, which requires a wide-angle lens.

In addition, it should be noted that other problems exist with personaluse video conferencing architectures (e.g., webcams). For example, agiven end user may be afraid that a counterparty is routinely watchingthem, regardless of whether a video session is occurring. Also, cameralenses collect dust that inhibits the image quality of the capturedvideo data. Further, most low-cost cameras have small apertures, andtypically have noise problems in low light.

Note that certain architectures have attempted to address theaforementioned issues by using a beam splitter. For example, a beamsplitter (e.g., a half-silvered mirror) can form a periscopearrangement. The beam-splitter mirror (theoretically) allows the user tosee through it, and to the portion of the screen behind thebeam-splitter mirror. However, the display is dimmed by a certainamount. At the same time, the beam splitter typically reflects lightcoming toward it from the person toward the camera, and this too createsa dimming effect. Beam splitters necessarily dim the light to thecamera, and this results in poor image quality.

System 10 can resolve these issues (and others) in providing an elegantconfiguration that accommodates several types of users, and thatcaptures optimal image data. Turning to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a simplifiedschematic diagram of an architecture that avoids unnecessarily blockingthe field of view (e.g., via the camera). Such an architecture alsoeliminates unwanted distortion of image data, which can be created by adeficient effective viewpoint. In one particular implementation, opticselement 16 (e.g., a small mirror) is positioned at the top-center ofdisplay 12, approximately in a vertical plane in which camera 18 hangsdown.

In one example configuration, optics element 16 is placed at a 45-degreeangle upward (as measured from a horizontal line, which is perpendicularto display 12), but alternatively could be placed at any other angle, orpositioned in any other suitable fashion. Camera 18 can be mounted abovedisplay 12, where its internal optics point down toward optics element16. Optics element 16 is minimally invasive/intrusive, as it does notblock the view from the perspective of the end user. Furthermore, camera18 and optics element 16 are non-obstructive from the user'sperspective. Additionally, optics element 16 does not occupy the sameparallel line of sight associated with the end user's eyes.

Note that FIG. 2C also includes a virtual camera 48, which identifies aneffective optical viewpoint for this particular architecture. By havingthis effective viewpoint, the image data is not being distorted, as iscommon in video conferencing systems. This distortion is particularlytrue in more personal-use applications of video conferencingarrangements, where a given camera is placed too close to anindividual's face. Additionally, this viewpoint highlights theeffectiveness of using optics element 16 in this particular fashion. Inessence, optics element 16 in front of display 12 has created aneffective viewpoint farther behind display 12, while maintaining aproximate (close) distance associated with eye contact. It should alsobe noted that this entire arrangement blocks less area of display 12 incomparison to the space occupied by a full camera (and its associatedhousing).

FIG. 2D is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating camera 18 in aretracted state (i.e., an inactive state) such that optics element 16 isappropriately stowed in housing unit 14. The term ‘inactive state’ ismeant to connote any type of dormant status such that optics element 16is not engaged, or being used by the architecture. This inactive statecan be the result of a retraction operation, or a general movement ofoptics element 16 and/or camera 18 such that they do not block a viewfor a given end user. Also, as used herein in this Specification, theterm ‘housing unit’ can include mechanical elements to facilitate itsretracting function (e.g., inclusive of hooks, springs, pins, levers,snaps, Velcro, etc.). In other embodiments, optics element 16 can beretracted in a motorized fashion, using any type of electronics, cablesystem, etc. As used herein in this Specification, the term ‘retract’ ismeant to include any type of reeling, pulling, or a general force thatmoves an element in any variant of a direction. Such a direction may beupward, lateral (where a camera and an optics element would be mountedon the side of a display), downward (where a camera and an opticselement would be mounted on the bottom of a display), or any othersuitable angle. Note that one particular retracting mechanism isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 4.

In operational terms, when optics element 16 is not visible to theaudience, the architecture is in its inactive state, which positionsoptics element 16 out of the way of display 12. The arrangement of FIGS.2C-2D overcomes many of the problematic issues associated withbeam-splitting configurations. For example, light levels are notnecessarily affected by optics element 16. Furthermore, the arrangementof FIGS. 2C-2D does not include bulky half-mirrors, which commonly jutout in front of display 12. Moreover, system 10 avoids implementinglarge mirrors, which include surfaces that need to be kept clean. Also,system 10 looks and operates as a regular display for other potentialvideo applications. Note that while system 10 may be slightly morecomplicated (i.e., mechanically) than a webcam approach, a high-qualitypicture is achieved.

Before turning to details and operational capabilities of thisarchitecture, a brief discussion is provided about some of theinfrastructure of FIG. 1. Display 12 offers a screen at which video datacan be rendered for the end user. Note that as used herein in thisSpecification, the term ‘display’ is meant to connote any element thatis capable of delivering an image, video data, text, sound, audiovisualdata, etc. to an end user during a video session. This would necessarilybe inclusive of any panel, plasma element, television, monitor,electronic surface, computer interface, screen, or any other suitableelement that is capable of delivering such information. Note also thatthe term ‘video session’ is meant to connote any type of media or videosession (or audio-video) provided in any protocol or format that couldbe provided in conjunction with display 12.

In one particular example, camera 18 is an Internet protocol (IP) cameraconfigured to record, maintain, cache, receive, and/or transmit data.This could include transmitting packets over an IP network to a suitablenext destination. Recorded files could be stored in camera 18 itself, orprovided in some suitable storage area (e.g., a database, server, etc.).In one particular instance, camera 18 is its own separate network deviceand it has a separate IP address. Camera 18 could be a wireless camera,a high-definition camera, or any other suitable camera device configuredto capture image information associated with a participant positioned infront of display 12.

Camera 18 can be configured to capture the image data and send it to anysuitable processing platform, or to a server attached to the network forprocessing and for subsequent distribution to remote sites (e.g., toother participants and the video session). The server could include animage-processing platform such as a media experience engine (MXE), whichis a processing element that can attach to the network. The MXE cansimplify media sharing across the network by optimizing its delivery inany format for any device. It could also provide media conversion,real-time postproduction, editing, formatting, and network distributionfor subsequent communications. The system can utilize real-time face andeye recognition algorithms to detect the position of the participant'seyes in a video session. Any type of image synthesizer (e.g., within theserver, at a remote location, somewhere in the network, etc.) canprocess the video data captured by camera 18.

In one example implementation, optics element 16 is a mirror that isprovided a certain distance away from camera 18, which can beconfigured/mounted on top of display 12. Alternatively, any suitablelength, mounting, or positioning can be used in order to appropriatelyprovision optics element 16 in relation to camera 18 and/or display 12.This particular configuration allows the mirror to interface with camera18 and any objects in front of display 12. [Note that a simplebracket(s) can be used to help position optics element 16, which couldbe secured to camera 18 itself, to display 12, or to any otherstructural element in the surrounding environment.] Additional detailsassociated with optics element 16 are provided below with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating possible designsfor optics element 16. In general terms, optics element 16 can bedesigned to achieve any desired effective viewpoint. For example, bychanging the shape, size, surface coating, etc., optics element 16 canrealize the appropriate viewpoint for a given video conferencing system.Moreover, optics element 16 can be part of a set of lenses, mirrors,surfaces, etc., which can be exchanged in (and out of) camera 18 basedon particular conferencing scenarios. Optics element 16 can be made ofany type of material that fosters its reflective properties. In oneparticular instance, optics element 16 is a mirror; however, opticselement 16 may be any optical component that can be used in videoconferencing scenarios involving a video camera (such as the environmentillustrated in FIG. 1). This is inclusive of transparent objects,reflective objects, refractive objects, lenses, hybrid objects (wherepart of the object is reflective and part of the object is transparent),or any other suitable object (inclusive of any appropriate coating ortexture for facilitating the collecting, reflecting, or filtering ofimage data).

In one particular example, mirror design options can be used to optimizean effective viewpoint distance in the context of the amount of displaysurface being obscured. In FIG. 3, a star is used to illustrate theeffective point of view, where the field of view is being captured bythe particular optics element. In one particular arrangement, a flatmirror 50 is used to achieve an effective viewpoint 52 for capturing anoptimal field of view. In another particular arrangement, a convexmirror 54 is used for an effective viewpoint 56 to achieve a certainoptimal field of view. Note that convex mirror 54 allows a smallermirror to be used, where the viewpoint is somewhat closer to convexmirror 54. In another example, a concave mirror 58 is used for aneffective viewpoint 60 to achieve a certain optimal field of view.Concave mirror 58 is bigger and, further, forces effective viewpoint 60to be optimally positioned farther away.

Note that any of these possible configurations (or other configurations)is clearly within the broad scope of the present disclosure. Moreover,any possible curvature can be added to a given optics element 16 (e.g.,a mirror), where such designs can change the effective viewpoint and thefield of view for particular scenarios. It should also be noted thathalf mirrors could be similarly used such that half of the mirror offersa transparent surface and half of the mirror offers a reflectivesurface. Other suitable space allocations of surface area can be used inthe design of optics element 18. Certain surfaces may allow a certainamount of light to pass through them, whereas others may have opticalproperties that are more reflective.

FIGS. 4A-4B are simplified schematic diagrams associated with oneparticular retracting mechanism 70 of system 10. FIG. 4A illustratescamera 18 in an active state, where it can suitably interface withoptics element 16 in order to enhance image quality, an effectiveviewpoint, etc., as discussed herein. FIG. 4B illustrates camera 18 inan inactive state. In this instance, camera 18 has been retracted andstowed such that it does not hinder operations associated with display12. This particular implementation includes a pivot hinge 74, a motor76, a pinion 78, and a rack 80. In one particular arrangement, theseelements can be included within (or be provided in conjunction with)housing unit 14, which can be configured to store camera 18. Pinion 78can interface with rack 80 (e.g., where motor 76 offers a force orenergy for these components) in order to move camera 18 to variouspositions. In one particular example, rack 80 and pinion 78 interfacethrough gearing such that a ratcheting function (i.e., an incrementalstepping function) is achieved, as camera 18 is moved.

It is imperative to note that retracting mechanism 70 of FIG. 4 is notsolely limited to the motor, rack, and pinion arrangement discussedabove. For example, an air system could be used in conjunction with anyof the previously discussed objects in order to quietly release camera18 from its retracted position. Other examples could include springmechanisms that secure camera 18 in place and/or allow camera 18 andoptics element 16 to extend downward. In other embodiments involvingmore mechanical systems, a simple latching mechanism could be used torestrain camera 18 at its designated location. Virtually any type ofretracting and/or storage mechanism could be employed. For example, asimple hand-crank could be used to retract and, subsequently, storecamera 18. Other architectures could be similarly manual, where anindividual could simply push camera 18 up and away from display 12 whencamera 18 is not being used. In this sense, an individual can swingcamera 18 (e.g., on a pivot) such that it can be stored when not in use.Any of these viable alternatives are included within the broad term‘retracting mechanism’ as used herein in this Specification.

Note that retracting mechanism 70 outlined above has several pragmaticadvantages associated with conferencing systems. For example, byemploying such a mechanism, the underlying display can routinely be usedfor various other purposes (e.g., television uses, presentations,general personal computing applications, etc.). Also, the retractablefeature minimizes dust and debris from forming on the video opticsgenerally. Furthermore, based on its apparent physical state, retractionmechanism 70 can provide a clear indication that the video conferencingsystem is in use. As video conferencing architectures have become moreprevalent, certain users have developed an awareness that camera 18(e.g., regardless of its operational status) may be tracking theirmovements. When an open camera lens is retracted (and suitably stored),this physical cue offers an assurance that an individual's movement isnot being captured by camera 18.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of a system 90 for offeringretracting optics in a video conferencing environment. In addition tothe components discussed previously, FIG. 5 also includes a telescopicsupporting stand 96, a touchpad 92, and a remote control 94. Telescopicsupporting stand 96 can be suitably coupled to display 12 for adjustmentin a horizontal plane such that display 12 moves in concert withadjustments to telescopic supporting stand 96. Touchpad 92 and remotecontrol 94 are ‘controlling elements’ that may have overlappingfunctions, complementary functions, or completely different functions.In one particular example, each of touchpad 92 and remote control 94 canoperate the retraction system associated with camera 18 and opticselement 16. Housing unit 14, touchpad 92, and remote control 94 mayinclude a respective processor 97 a-c, a memory element 98 a-c, and aretracting module 99 a-c. Note that retracting modules 99 a-c can betasked with deployment operations in addition to retraction activities.

Touchpad 92 may include audio features, sharing features (e.g., forsharing data, documents, applications, etc. between video conferencingparticipants), application features (e.g., where the applications arebeing executed in conjunction with a video conference),calling/connection features (e.g., transferring calls, bridging calls,initiating calls, connecting parties, receiving calls, etc.) or anyother end-user features that can be applicable to a video conference. Inone particular arrangement, touchpad 92 and remote control 94 arewireless; however, touchpad 92 and remote control 94 could alternativelybe implemented with suitable wires, cables, infrared, etc. in order tofacilitate the operations thereof.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart 100 illustrating one example embodimentassociated with systems 10 and 90. The flow begins at step 110, where anindividual schedules a video-conferencing session with a counterparty.This scheduling can be inclusive of designating appropriate times,reminders, location information, invitees, applications to be usedduring the video conference, etc. At step 120, the individual uses atouchpad (e.g., touchpad 92 of FIG. 5) to initiate the call. In oneparticular example, initiating the call triggers housing unit 14 tobegin deploying camera 18. For example, touchpad 92 can interface withhousing unit 14 and, thereby, receive signals from housing unit 14. Inother instances, housing unit 14 can be synchronized with a calendarfunction such that it (intuitively or automatically) understands when todeploy camera 18 at designated times.

In another embodiment, touchpad 92 can be used to trigger the deploymentof camera 18 before the call is initiated. [Note that the terms‘trigger’, ‘initiate’, and ‘activate’ are simply connoting some type ofsignal being provided to any of the elements discussed herein. Thiscould include simple ON/OFF signaling, retracting activities, deploymentactivities, etc., all of which could apply to individual components ofthe described architectures, or collectively to multiple components suchthat they move in concert with a single signal.]

At step 130, optics element 16 is deployed such that it suitablyinterfaces with camera 18 to capture image data associated with thefield of view. Based on its design, optics element 16 can achieve aneffective viewpoint for this particular individual. At step 140, thevideo conference ends, and the individual can use touchpad 92 toretract/store camera 18 and optics element 16. At step 150, housing unit14 can receive the signal from the touchpad and initiate its retractingmechanism to pull camera 18 and optics element 16 away from display 12.

Note that certain configurations may only require optics element 16 tobe retracted away from display 12 (i.e., in contrast to moving opticselement 16 and camera 18). This may be the case in scenarios wherecamera 18 is mounted such that it does not block (or minimally inhibits)the view seen by an individual. This retraction of camera 18 and/oroptics element 16 allows a subsequent user to utilize display 12 forother applications, while not being burdened by camera 18 and/or opticselement 16 blocking an individual's field of view. It should also benoted that the physical movement of camera 18 and/or optics element 16signals that the video conference has both begun and terminated. Thesevisual cues assure participants of when camera 18 has begun capturingimage information.

Note that in certain example implementations, the retracting functionsoutlined herein may be implemented by logic encoded in one or moretangible media (e.g., embedded logic provided in an application specificintegrated circuit [ASIC], digital signal processor [DSP] instructions,software [potentially inclusive of object code and source code] to beexecuted by a processor, or other similar machine, etc.). In some ofthese instances, a memory element [as shown in FIG. 5] can store dataused for the operations described herein. This includes the memoryelement being able to store software, logic, code, or processorinstructions that are executed to carry out the activities described inthis Specification. A processor can execute any type of instructionsassociated with the data to achieve the operations detailed herein inthis Specification. In one example, the processor [as shown in FIG. 5]could transform an element or an article (e.g., data) from one state orthing to another state or thing. In another example, the activitiesoutlined herein may be implemented with fixed logic or programmablelogic (e.g., software/computer instructions executed by a processor) andthe elements identified herein could be some type of a programmableprocessor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gatearray [FPGA], an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), anelectrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM)) or an ASIC thatincludes digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, or anysuitable combination thereof.

In one example implementation, remote control 94, touchpad 92, and/orhousing unit 14 includes software in order to achieve theretracting/deployment functions outlined herein. These activities can befacilitated by retracting modules 99 a-c. Additionally, each of thesedevices may include a processor that can execute software or analgorithm to perform the retracting/deployment activities, as discussedin this Specification. These devices may further keep information in anysuitable memory element [random access memory (RAM), ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,ASIC, etc.], software, hardware, or in any other suitable component,device, element, or object where appropriate and based on particularneeds. Any of the memory items discussed herein (e.g., database, table,cache, key, etc.) should be construed as being encompassed within thebroad term ‘memory element.’ Similarly, any of the potential processingelements, modules, and machines described in this Specification shouldbe construed as being encompassed within the broad term ‘processor.’Each of remote control 94, touchpad 92, and/or housing unit 14 can alsoinclude suitable interfaces for receiving, transmitting, and/orotherwise communicating data or information in a network environment.

Note that with the example provided above, as well as numerous otherexamples provided herein, interaction may be described in terms of twoor three components. However, this has been done for purposes of clarityand example only. In certain cases, it may be easier to describe one ormore of the functionalities of a given set of flows by only referencinga limited number of components. It should be appreciated that system 10(and its teachings) are readily scalable and can accommodate a largenumber of components, as well as more complicated/sophisticatedarrangements and configurations. Accordingly, the examples providedshould not limit the scope or inhibit the broad teachings of system 10as potentially applied to a myriad of other architectures.

It is also important to note that the steps in the preceding flowdiagrams illustrate only some of the possible conferencing scenarios andpatterns that may be executed by, or within, system 10. Some of thesesteps may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or these steps may bemodified or changed considerably without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In addition, a number of these operations have beendescribed as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to, one ormore additional operations. However, the timing of these operations maybe altered considerably. The preceding operational flows have beenoffered for purposes of example and discussion. Substantial flexibilityis provided by system 10 in that any suitable arrangements,chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be providedwithout departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

For example, although camera 18 and optics element 16 have beendescribed as being mounted in a particular fashion, camera 18 and opticselement 16 could be mounted in any suitable manner in order to captureimage data from an effective viewpoint. Other configurations couldinclude suitable wall mountings, aisle mountings, furniture mountings,cabinet mountings, etc., or arrangements in which cameras and/or opticselement would be appropriately spaced or positioned to perform itsfunctions. It should also be noted that the present disclosure canaccommodate multiple mirrors being used to reflect image data beforeultimately being captured by a given camera. This multi-mirror designcould further enhance the effective viewpoint for a given system.Additionally, system 10 can have direct applicability in TelePresenceenvironments (both large and small) such that quality image data can becollected during video sessions. Moreover, although system 10 has beenillustrated with reference to particular elements and operations thatfacilitate the communication process, these elements and operations maybe replaced by any suitable architecture or process that achieves theintended functionality of system 10.

1. A method, comprising: initiating a video session involving an enduser, wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associatedwith the video session, and wherein the camera is positioned tointerface with an optics element that reflects the image data associatedwith the end user positioned in front of the display; and activating aretracting mechanism configured to retract the optics element in adirection such that the camera moves to an inactive state and the opticselement is removed from a view of the display from the perspective ofthe end user.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein an effective opticaldistance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating aposition of the optics element.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thecamera is configured above the display such that its lens pointsdownward toward the optics element.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein ahousing unit includes the retracting mechanism, which includes a motorconfigured to provide a retracting force to the optics element.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the optics element is a mirror configured toreflect the image data toward the camera.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the optics element is a half mirror that includes a transparentsurface and a reflective surface.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein awireless controlling element is configured to activate the retractingmechanism.
 8. Logic encoded in one or more tangible media that includescode for execution and when executed by a processor operable to performoperations comprising: initiating a video session involving an end user,wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associated with thevideo session, and wherein the camera is positioned to interface with anoptics element that reflects the image data associated with the end userpositioned in front of the display; and activating a retractingmechanism configured to retract the optics element in a direction suchthat the camera moves to an inactive state and the optics element isremoved from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user.9. The logic of claim 8, wherein an effective optical distance from thecamera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of theoptics element.
 10. The logic of claim 8, wherein a housing unitincludes the retracting mechanism, which includes a motor configured toprovide a retracting force to the optics element.
 11. An apparatus,comprising: a camera configured to receive image data associated with anend user involved in a video session; a display configured to interfacewith the camera; an optics element configured to interface with thecamera, wherein the optics element reflects the image data associatedwith the end user positioned in front of the display; and a retractingmechanism configured to retract the optics element in a direction suchthat the camera moves to an inactive state and the optics element isremoved from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user.12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a housing unit thatincludes the retracting mechanism, wherein the retracting mechanismincludes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the opticselement.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an effective opticaldistance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating aposition of the optics element.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe camera is configured above the display such that its lens pointsdownward toward the optics element, and wherein the optics elementretracts in an upward direction.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe optics element is a mirror configured to reflect the image datatoward the camera.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the opticselement is a half mirror that includes a transparent surface and areflective surface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: ahousing unit configured to store the camera and the optics element whenthe camera moves to the inactive state.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11,further comprising: a controlling element configured to activate theretracting mechanism, wherein the controlling element is furtherconfigured to communicate a signal that deploys the optics element. 19.The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a retracting moduleconfigured to receive a wireless signal in order to activate theretracting mechanism.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:a telescopic stand coupled to the display and configured to be adjustedin a horizontal plane such that the display moves in concert withadjustments to the telescopic stand.